Aged Care and Support at Home Services
What is Support at Home?
The Support at Home program delivers government-funded aged care services to help older people to stay at home for longer. On 1 November 2025, it replaced the Home Care Packages Program and Short-Term Restorative Care Programme. The previously named Commonwealth Home Support Programme remains in place to provide support for people with lower-level needs.
Whether you receive a Support at Home or Commonwealth Home Support Programme depends on your support needs.
An assessment from My Aged Care determines these needs. However, you must also be:
- An older person 65 or older (or 50 or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) needs help staying home and requires coordinated services.
If you only need a little support, like one or two services, you might not need Support at Home. You may be more suited for help at home through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Both programs aim to help you stay independent and live comfortably in your own home.
What are the different levels of Support at Home?
Support at Home will have eight ongoing service classifications, each with a budget for them to access services. Participants can request a reassessment if their needs change.
This includes support for:
Clinical Care
Such as nursing care, occupational therapy and continence care.
Independence
Such as help with showering, getting dressed, taking medications, transport or respite care.
Everyday living
Such as cleaning, gardening, shopping or meal preparation.
Short-term supports
Restorative, palliative, and assistive technology home modifications.
Care management
Guidance, planning, oversight and coordination of support services.
How do I get started with Support at Home?
Step 1: Check your eligibility
To access government-funded aged care services, first check your eligibility for an assessment. Visit My Aged Care or call 1800 200 422.
Step 2: Assessment & Support Plan
If you’re assessed as eligible for the Support at Home program, you’ll receive a Notice of Decision and a Support Plan to share with your provider.
Your Support Plan includes a summary of your care needs and goals, your classification with a set quarterly budget and list of approved services, and details of any short-term supports you’re eligible for.
If you’re already on the National Priority System (waiting for a Home Care Package), you’ll automatically receive a Support at Home classification when a place is available. A new assessment isn’t required unless your needs change.
Self-managed Support at Home
Self-management continues under Support at Home. You can choose to organise and schedule your own services, select your preferred workers, manage your budget, and handle payments and reimbursements yourself.
Your self-management arrangements must be agreed with your Support at Home provider and included in your care plan. You can only spend your budget on services that are in your support plan and on the approved service list.Note: Whether you self-manage or not, you must have a care management provider. If you receive ongoing services, 10% of your budget will be allocated to care management each quarter.
Third-party workers
Under the new Aged Care Act, your provider must engage third-party workers directly or via an associated provider and is responsible for all workers delivering services to you (including third parties). Providers must ensure workers meet workforce and registration requirements.
In some cases, your provider may not be able to agree to specific workers or third-party arrangements if regulatory requirements or provider obligations can’t be met.
Finding Quality Home Care for Elderly Parents
As our parents age, ensuring their well-being and comfort becomes increasingly important. Just Better Care offers a valuable solution, allowing your parents to remain in the familiar surroundings of their own homes while receiving a range of home care services. These services are incredibly flexible, from assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing to skilled nursing care and companionship, allowing you to tailor the care to your parents' needs.
When selecting a home care provider, it's essential to consider your parents' specific needs and preferences. Remember, they are the ones who will be receiving the care, so their comfort and preferences should be at the forefront of your decision. Look for a provider that can cater to particular areas, such as aged care, dementia care and community participation services.
It's also crucial to check that the provider rigorously screens their team members as you are entrusting your loved one to their care.
By carefully evaluating, you can find the ideal home care solution that respects your parents' wishes, enhances their quality of life, and provides peace of mind for the entire family.
What's your brand of Support?
Just like Janet, all Just Better Care customers benefit from a tailored care plan that's built around YOU. Talk to your local Just Better Care office to get started with a range of support services in the home and local community
Committed to Excellence in Aged Care
Just Better Care Australia is a proud member of Ageing Australia, the national peak body representing aged care providers.
Our membership reflects our commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement in aged care services.
Keep up to date
Just Better Care acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We also acknowledge the diversity of Australian culture and extend our support to all individuals, regardless of culture or sexuality.